Package treating machine



F. E. BICKFORD PACKAGE TREATING MACHINE sept. zo, 1938.

Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 20, 1938. F. E. BlcKFoRDPACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 mvEN TN 0RFrederic/ E. B c/f ford *@QAWH/ ATToRNEYs l Sept. 20, 1938. F. E.BlcKFoRD 21,130,761

` PACKAGE TRE/WING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 3:inventor eder ckE Bic/fjord (Ittornegs Sept. 20, 1938. F. E. BlcKl-ORD2,130,761

PACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 sheets-sheet 4 GtfornegsSept. 20, 1938. l F. E. BlcKFoRD 2,130,761

PACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 :inventorFrederick E .ckford @QM #JLA/Y Gttomegs Sept. 20, 1938. F. E. BlcKFoRDPACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 m///WmTadI nventor Frederick Et'ckford (Ittornegs Sept. 2o, 1938.

F.'E.' BlcKFoRD PACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed Apri1'4, 1938 9rSheecsfShee'f, 7

EN n :inventor ford Gttomegs lo in n f'rederickEBic/ Sept 20, i938. F.E. Blom-'ORD 2,330,761

PACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 193s 9 sheets-sheet e H n w L r5 ai; \`1 u -1 o@ [l] w@ I f l f1 a e I will Il E rl| i l f w Wit-lL JIo w l L m.

i N dl 7 EIrQ-l: fr; x0

INVENTOR.

r1 edemc/ E 5167i ord BY @my 1- ATTORNEYS Sept. 20, 1938o F. E. BlcKFoRDPACKAGE TREATING MACHINE Filed April 4, 1938 9 Sheets-Shea?d 9 non wwwEN Patented Sept. 20, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 28 Claims.

This invention relates to means for applying vacuum or suction to thechain links of a conveyor mechanism. Particularly, it relates to theapplication of vacuum or suction to the carrier links of a packagetreating or evacuating machine and to the packages or containers carriedthereby.

An object of the invention is to provide a machine in which suction iscontinuously applied 10 to the links of a conveyor chain with a minimumof leakage at any point.

Another object of the invention is to provide positive driving meansforV thechain links, synchronized with valve means for admitting suctionto the links.

A further object of the invention is to apply a gas at or aboveatmospheric pressure to the evacuated container subsequent to theapplication of the vacuum. 20 Further objects and features of theinvention will appear when the following specication is considered inconnection with the annexed drawings, in which,

Figures l and 2, taken together, form a side view of a machine embodyingthe evacuating and pressure applying mechanism. This mechanism isutilized to evacuate containers during continuous movement of the linksof a chain in airtight compartments of which the containers are carried;and to ll the evacuated containers with U gas under atmospheric or otherpressure;

Figure 3 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken along the line 3 3of Figure 2, showing a portion of the driving mechanism;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the left handportion of the machine of Figures l and 2;

Figure 5 is in part a broken, longitudinal section of the machine ofFigures l and 2, the sec- .m tion being taken off center, and is in parta side elevation of a portion of the machine on a larger scale than thatof Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 5 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken on the line 6-6 ofFigure 4;

Figure 7 is a transverse, cross-sectional view taken on the line l-l ofFigure 4;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevation of the right hand portion of themachine showing the connection of the pressure source to the machine,and showing likewise a modification and addition to the means forsynchronizing the movement of the chain links with the controlling valvestructure and the means` for automatically opening and closing theevacuating chambers. This figure also shows one mode of capping acontainer which has been evacuated and then filled with gas underpressure;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary, transverse, crosssectional view of themechanism of Figure 8, 5o taken along the line l9--9 of that iigure;

Figure l0`is a fragmentary end view of the upper portion of theevacuating chamber of Figure 8 showing the means for latching the doorin closed position;

Figure 1l is a Side view of the mechanism of Figure 10;

Y Figure 12 is a view similar to that of Figure 11 showing the latchingmeans in operated position;

Figure 13 isla view generally similar to Figure 4 but showing adifferent form of valve mechanism and a slightly modified form of linkstructure. In addition, this View shows details of a structure forassuring vacuum-tight relationship of the links with the outer valvetube during a portion of the suction application;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary, transverse, crosssectional view on the planeof line ifi-lli of Figure 13 showing the valve mechanism of Figure 13-inrelation to the supporting structure;

Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional View of one of the poppetvalves utilized in the mechanism of Figures 13 and 14;

, Figures 16 and 17 are, respectively, enlarged top and bottom planviews of the poppet valve of Figures 13 and 14 showing further detailsof its construction;

Figure 18 is a transverse, cross-sectional view on the plane of the lineill-I4 of Figure 13 showing the construction of a modified form of linkstructure;

Figure 19 is a side elevation, with the outer plate removed, of the linkof Figures 13 and 18;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary side view of a package treating machinegenerally similar to that of Figures 1 and 2, but having a modieddriving mechanism for causing intermittent movement of the links. Thisview also shows a modied closure applying structure adapted to be usedwith this modified driving mechanism; and

Figure 21 is a plan View of the modified driving mechanism of Figure 20taken on the plane of the line 2 I--Zl of that gure.

Thisapplication is a continuation in part of my co-pending applicationSerial No. 155,215, led July 23, 1937, for Packaging, package making,and package treating machines. That portion oi the following descriptiondealing with Figures 13 to 21 is new in this application; all othermaterial has been taken directly from the earlier application.

Supporting` structure The various moving parts of this machine are.supported upon a frame structure which comprises two casings 10| and20| (Figs. 1 and 2) joined together at their bases by the angle members38, and at their tops by the channel members 39, M)Y and 4|, the twoouter ones of which (Fig. 6) rest on their iianges, and the middle oneof which rests on its base. The two outer channels 39 and 4| extendconsiderably beyond the castings IiiI and 20|, and are supported attheir extreme ends by the inclined angle members |03, |94, and 293, 204,which are fastened to the castings bymeans of plates as |02 and 202. Thecenter channel 40 extends but slightly beyond the supporting castings;it is supported at each end by one of the short channel members |05 and205, extending to a bracket |06 or 206 bolted to the casting.

Spaced along the channel members atV any desired intervals are castingsas 42, 43 and 44 which rest on the upturned bases of the outer channels39 and 4 I, and are so shaped as to protrude within the channel member40. Supported by the castings 42, 43 and 44, through the medium ofcompression springs 46, which are within vertical bores in the castings(Fig. 7) 42, 43 and 44, is the valve mechanism support 41. Thecompression springs 46 are adjustable by means of plungers 48 (Figs. 5,6 and 7) screwed into the castings. The support 41 is guided in itsvertical movement by means of guide pins 49 (Fig. 6), which pins aredriven into castings 42, 43 and 44 and extend into corresponding holesin support 41. These pins 49 prevent movement of support 41 eitherlongitudinally, transversely, or rotationally, while permitting verticalmovement thereof.

The support 41 is generally semi-cylindrical and has fitted into itssemi-cylindrical upper surface a tube 50 which forms the guide or trackfor the links of a moving chain as will be described hereinafter. In theform of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 a second tube 5Iwhich has, in its outer surface, a helical groove cooperating with holesin the exterior tube to form means for controlling the application ofvacuum or pressure to the moving links, as will be describedhereinafter, is rotatable within the with the tube 50.

Supported near the ends of the outer channel members 39 and 4I are twocastings ||0 and 2|0 (Figs. l and 2), each of which is supplied with aplurality of bearing blocks which rotatably support the four shafts 52,53, 54 and 55, which shafts extend longitudinally of the machine. Shafts52 and 54pass through the castings 42, 43 and 44, being freely rotatablein semi-cylindrical bushings inserted in holes in the castings and thussupported by the bushings against upward pressure. Shafts 53 and 55 aresupported in bearing blocks |35, |36, 235, 236, fastened to the castingsIOI, 20|. The upper shafts 52 and 54 are helically grooved throughoutthe distance between castings 42 and 44 in order to control the movementof the chain links, as will appear hereinafter.- Shafts 52 and 54 arearranged to be driven respectively from shafts 53 and 55 in a mannerwhich will be discussed under the heading Chain driving mechanism.

Chain driving mechanism The driving mechanism for the conveyor chain maybe in either of two forms, one providing for continuous and the otherfor intermittent movement. Certain of the mechanism is common, as willbe pointed out hereinafter. In the rst form of the mechanism there areat each end of the machine (Figs. 1, 2 and 6), two sprockets III, H2 and2| I, 2!2, the periphery of each of which is polygonal in shape. Thesesprockets drive a continuous chain which is formed of the links 56,which links are shaped to form a vacuum seat with the tube 50.

The sprockets ||2 are supported on the shaft I I3 which is in turnrotatably supported in a bushing I I4, (Figs. 4 and 6), which isfastened to the inclined channel member |05. On the outer end of theshaft II3, a gear wheel ||5 is fastened. It will appear, therefore, thatas the gear wheel I I5 is driven, it in turn turns the shaft I I3,causing the sprockets I I I, |I2, fixed thereto, to rotate and to movethe links of the chain continuously.

The movement of sprockets 2I| and 2I2 is transmitted to the gear wheel2I5 and shaft 2|3, which shaft is similarly supported by bearing block 2I4 fastened to the channel member 205.

Adjacent the casting I| and supported therefrom through the medium ofthe auxiliary castings II6, |I1, and bearing blocks IIS', II1' (one oneither side of the machine) is a shaft II8 which carries a pulley wheel|23 and small pinion I I9 at one end, a gear wheel |20 at the other end,and two worms I2I and |22 (one adjacent either end). The pinion II9meshes with the gear wheel in order to supply power for driving thesprocket wheels as described. Power is applied tothe shaft II8, throughthe medium of -the pulley wheel |23, belt |24, and motor |09,

which motor is fastened to the angle members 38 of the frame structure.

At the right hand end of the machine, looking at Figs. l and 2, asimilar shaft arrangement is provided, comprising a shaft 2I8 carryingthe worms 22| and 222, the gear 220, the pinion 2|9, and a pulley 223,power being supplied to this end of the machine through a belt 224(Figs. 1 and 2) as well as through the shafts mentioned above, andconsidered in detail hereinafter;

As is best shown in Fig. 3, shaft 52 has fixed thereon a gear 225; shaft53, gear 226; shaft 54, gear 221; and shaft 55, gear 228. Gear 226drives gear 225 through the medium of idler gear 229 which rotates onthe stub shaft 230, fixed to the casting 2|0. Similarly, gear 228 drivesgear 221 through the medium of idler gear 23|, mounted on the stub shaft232, likewise fixed in the casting 2I0.

At the left hand end of the machine, similar idler gears |29 and |3imounted on stub shafts |30 and |32 are provided to drive gears |25 and|21, the idlers being themselves driven by gears |26 and |28.

Lower longitudinal shafts 53 and 55 have mounted thereon near their leftends worm wheels |33 and |34 and at their right ends worm wheels 233 and234 which mesh with the worms |2I, |22, 22| and 222 previouslydescribed, thus providing means for driving the various longitudinalshafts of the machine.

Chain links "movement by the guide rails 60 and 6|, which guide railsextend longitudinally of the machine and are fixed in the castings 42,43 and 44. The upper faces of the downward extremities of the sidemembers 58 and 59 are curved to fit the outer surfaces of the helicallycut shafts 52 and Extending through the base portion 51 of each chainlink is a passage-way 62 which, communicates with the chamber formedabove the base by the housing 63 and the air-tight doorv 64. As will behereinafter described, means are provided for holding the door 64 inclosed position during evacuating and pressure applying operations andfor opening the door in order to permit placement of a container in thecompartment, and removal of the container therefrom at the completion ofoperation.

It will be seen from the description previously given that springs 46push the valve or tube support 41 upward against the bottom of the outervalve tube 50, said tube 50 pushing upward against the bottom of thebase portion 51 of the link 5B which in turn holds the curved upperfaces of the extensions 58 and 59 up against the undersidey of thehelically cut shafts 52 and 54, thus assuring a vacuum-tight jointbetween the links 56 and the outer valve tube U.

Means are likewise provided to assure a `tight joint between the outertube 50 and inner tube 5|, this means comprising an arcuate plate 65(Fig. '1) which extends for substantially the entire length of thesupport 41 along the bottom thereof, the outer tube 50 being cut away toac commodate this plate. Screwed into the support 41 at spaced intervalsalong the bottom thereof are cylindrical spring holders 66 which areclosed at their ends by cap nuts 61 screwed on the outside of theholder. The plugs E11 screwed inside the lower end of theholdersregulate the pressure of the springs 68, within the tubes, against themember 65. The screw joints between the support 41 and the springholders 65, aswell as the screw` joints between holders 65 and' nuts 61,are hermetically sealed to prevent any loss of ,vacuum or pressurethrough these members. Due

to the construction just mentioned, the inner tube 5| is kept invacuum-tight register with the outer tube 5D, thus assuring that there`shall be no leakage of vacuum or pressure from the outside atmoshpereinto the evacuated or pressure chambers. As wear takes place the springscompensate therefor and maintain the vacuum-tight register.

Side members 58 and 59 of each link are slotted at their forward ends(Figs. 4 and 6) to t over rearward extensions of adjacent link sidemembers so that the rearward end of each link side piece may extend intothe slot of the link f ollowing, thus forming the continuous cham whichis a feature of the machine. After the rearward extensions of the linkpieces: are positioned 1n the slotted forward portions, screws arepassed through holes in the forward slotted portions and the extensionstopivotally connect the links together. This link construction is bestshown in Fig. 6 wherein the slotted forward portions and narrow rearwardextensions of the side members are clearly shown in section at 69 and1D, 1| and 12, respectively, the shouldered pivot screws being shown at13 and 14.

Extending outwardly from each side piece 58, 59, on a line through thecenter of shaft 52 or 54, is a stud carrying a roller adapted to fit thehelical groove of the corresponding shaft.

The rollers cooperate with the respective shafts 52, 54 to assure thecorrect rate of movement of the links 56 with respect to the rotation ofthe helically grooved inner tube `5I and in addition are mounted on theside members 58 and 459 in such manner that the rotation -of the shaftstends to seat the body portion 51 of the links squarely and solidly onthe outer valve tube 50.

Vacuum control mechanism As has been stated, the moving links 55 areadapted to the application of either vacuum or pressure to the chambersforming part of these links, the vacuum or pressure being continuouslyapplied during the movement of the links through portions of theircycle, and in one form of the invention augmented by increasing theseating pressure during intervals when the chain is not in motion as isdescribed hereinafter.

The two tubes 50 and 5| already mentioned I cooperate to control theapplication of vacuum or pressure to the moving links, the pitch of thehelical groove in the inner tube relative to the spacing of holes in theouter tube assuring the continuous application of a vacuum or pressureto the links as they are moving in the path described. The mode ofsupporting these tubes has already been described; the mode of applyingvacuum or pressure thereto, and the means for rotating the inner tuberemain to be described.

Referring now to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the inner tube 5| isprovided with a helical groove 5ta, the pitch of the helix on which thesaid groove is cut being such that one complete turn of the helix occursin a distance equal to that between the centers of two successive chainlinks 56 and the width of the groove being such that it covers twoadjacent holes in the outer tube 50. Also the passage 52 covers twoadjacent holes in tube 55. In other words, the center of the surfacebetween successive turns of the helix always lies midway between thecenters of two successive chain links. Therefore, any link is constantlyin communication with the inner valve tube, and the flat surfacesbetween turns of the helix always bear against the surfaces between theopenings, thus shutting 01T the spaces between successive chambers.

At intervals along the helical groove there are holes 5|b connecting thegroove with the interior of the tube so that vacuum drawn through thecenter of the tube will cause evacuation of the groove and through itand the holes in the stationary tube 5B cause evacuation of the chambersof the links 56.

If the material in the containers is finely powdered or of like natureand likely to be removed from the container by sudden application of thesuction, then the holes in outer valve tube Si) may be smaller at theleft end of the machine, thus causing gradual application of thesuction.

Inserted in the left end. of the inner tube 5| is a short section ofslightly smaller tubing |l| which is fastened to tube 5| by rivets orpins |42 and which has a reduced portion at the left end thereof. Theinner tube 5| terminates slightly to the right (Fig, 4) of the left endof tube section M.

In the outer tube 50 and abutting the end of inner tube 5| is a tube |43having an integral flangeat its left hand end. This ange is ground toform a conical seat for a conically iianged, 10 tatable memberhereinafter described.

Fastened to the channel 4U near its left end (Figs. 4 and-6) by means ofscrews |44, is a block |45 which supports a casting |46. lIhe casting|55 has an upward portion which is ared out to form a semi-circularblock adapted to t withinand support the extreme left end of the outervalve tube 50, which tube has a wide cut at its base at the end. Thetube 50 is fastened to casting |46 by means `of screws |41.

Casting |46 is held in place on block |45 by pins |48 which permitvertical movement only. As wear takes place shims may be insertedbetween the block and casting in order to compensate therefor.

The casting |46 also serves to support a pipe elbow |5|, one end ofwhich is connected to pipe |52, which in turn is flexibly connected to avacuum pump or other source of negative pressure (not shown). The otherend of pipe elbow |5| communicates with the interior of valve tube 5| inthe manner about to be described.

Projecting from the side of a vertical portion of pipe elbow |5| is apin |53 which slidably fits within a hole in the casting |46 to guidethe elbow for limited horizontal movement.

Projecting from the pipe elbow |5| along its horizontal center line is asecond pin |54 which extends Within a cylinder |55 fitted into a bore inthe upper portion of casting |46 and which is held in position by setscrew |56. Within the cylinder |55 is a compression spring |51 which iscompressed against the end of pin |53 by means of screw |58 whichthreads into the cylinder at its left end and bears against the spring.

The horizontal portion |56 of the pipe elbow I5| extends to the rightand is beveled at its end to form a seat for the correspondingly beveledhub of a worm wheel |65. In the left hand face of this worm wheel is acircular grooved bearing member |66 in which runs a spring thrust andcentralizing member |61. This member |61 is held in the grooved bearing66 by means of a spring |68, the other end of which bears against ailange |65 on the pipe elbow |5|.

Worm wheel |65 has a tubular portion projecting to the right and fittinginto the internal bore of a tube |10, which has a conical outer surfacewhich fits the conical seat mentioned above. The tube |15 is caused t0rotate with the worm wheel |65 by means of a pin |1| extending throughthe two members. To the right of the conical flare on the member |16 isa short cylindrical hub portion which extends within the tube section|4| and which is connected to tube I4! for rotation thereof by means ofpin |12 extending through holes in member and into arcuate slots in tubeIt will be seen from the description given that the conical member |10is caused by the spring |68 to bear against the conical seat formed ontube |43 and the spring |51 holds the beveled end of the portion |55against the conical seat of the beveled hub of the worm wheel |65 tomaintain vacuumtight joints through which air can be evacuated from theinterior of tube 5l by means of the vacuum pump or other source ofsuction. It will likewise be seen that rotation of worm wheel |65 causesrotation of tube or tube sections E15, I4| and 5|. As has beendescribed, tube 5| is springpressed upwardly to bear against the upper,inner surface of tube 55. It is because of this that tube section |4|,and the hub portion of member |16, are joined for rotation by pin |12which permits slight movement of inner tube 5| to care for wear.

Driving means for the valve tube As has been indicated, the valve tube5| must be driven synchronously with the chain sprockets ||2, 2| 2|2,and with the helically grooved shafts 52, 54. For this purpose a worm|15 is provided, which worm is mounted on a shaft |16 (Figs. 4 and 6)for rotation therewith. Shaft |16 is supported for rotation by bearingblocks |18 and |19 screwed to the casting 42. Fixed to shaft |16 at itsleft hand end is a gear- |11 which meshes with the gear` |20 xed to theshaft H8. Shaft |8 is rotated in the manner previously described.

At the right hand end of Ythe machine shown in Figs. 2, 5 and 8, asubstantial duplicate of this arrangement is provided, the onlydifference being that the construction of the conical seat and valvemember is altered to provide for pressure rather than vacuum. 'I'hedriving equipment is, however, exactly similar. Referring now to Fig. 8,worm wheel 265 drives the right hand portion of the inner tube 5| in amanner similar to that in which worm wheel |65 drives the left handportion of the tube. Worm wheel 265 is driven by worm 215 mounted onshaft 216 supported in bearings 218 and 219. Shaft 216 is driven by gear211 meshing with gear 220 on shaft 2|8.

It is, of course, possible to evacuate containers without thereafteradmitting gas under pressure to those containers. If this is to be done,the tube 5| is continuous from one end of the machine to the other, andthe valve arrangements at the two ends are exactly similar, or the tubeis blocked at one end, as is preferable. Under these circumstances, thetwo worm wheels |65 and 265 simply drive the one tube 5| and prevent anytwisting of that tube by their synchronous operation, one on either end.

Pressure controlmecham'sm 50 reach the same temperature, the plug willhave expanded, and the tube contracted, to form a vacuum andpressure-tight joint so that there will be no leakage from one portionof tube 5| to the other. The rod used for inserting the plug is thenremoved. When this plug is inserted there are two separate inner tubes5|; also a central portion of outer tube 56 is left solid so that for aninstant there is no application of either vacuum or pressure to the linkchambers (Fig. 5).

Coming now to the valve structure utilized when this pressureapplication is to take place, reference is made to Fig. 8 in which astructure similar to that of Fig. 4 is shown, modified, however, asindicated.

Fastened to the channel 40 is a block 245 which supports a casting 246.The casting 246 has an upward portion which is flared out to form asemicircular block adapted to t within and support the extreme right endofthe outer valve tube 56. The lower portion of the tube 5D is cut awayin order to provide space for the various parts about to be described.Tube 50 is fastened to the casting 246 by means of screws 241.

Casting 246 is held in place on block 245 by pins (not shown) whichpermit vertical movement only. As wear takes place shims may be insertedbetween the block and casting to compensate therefor.

Casting 246 supports a pipe elbow one end of which is connected by meansof a pipe 252 to a source of supply for whatever gas may be suitable forpreserving the articles being processed. This may be under pressure ornot, depending on the vacuum existing in the chambers. The other, orhorizontal, endof the pipe elbow 25! communicates with the interior ofthe valve tube l.

A pin 253, extending from the pressure pipe elbow 25|, is guided in ahole in casting 246. At the horizontal center line of. the pipe elbowthere is a threaded thick Walled portion into which a small pin 254 isinserted. This pin fits within a spring containing cylinder 255 which isfastened in a bore of the casting 246 by means of the set screw 256. Thepin 253 has a hook at its right hand end in which the end of a coilspring 251 is inserted. The other end of the spring is inserted in ascrew eye which extends through the end of the spring cylinder, and isheld by a nut on the screw portion of the eye. This construction makesit possible to adjust the spring tension with which the pipe elbow isurged toward the right.

Threaded on the horizontal portion 259 of the pipe elbow 25! is a collar263 having an inturned beveled ange thereon which ts into a recess of asimilar collar which is in turn screwed to a tube 264. Tube 264 has aflange at its left hand end, which flange is beveled to cooperate with asimilar bevel on a tube 210 fixed within the outer valve tube 56. Tube264 also has a reduced diameter portion near its right-hand end on whichthe hub of worm wheel 265 is mounted. At the far left end of tube 264there is a pin which extends through the tube, and into a short tubesection 124i, which tubular section is in turn riveted to the right-handend of tube 5i. Worm wheel 265 meshes with a worm 215 on the shaft 216which is driven inthe manner indicated above. It will be seen that thespring tension exerted on the pipe elbow 25! tends to draw the bevelededges of tubes 264 and 210 together to form a pressure-tight jointbetween the pipe elbow and tube 5I while providing for rotation of thetube 5l under drive of the worm wheel 265.

Door operating mechanism It will be obvious from the above descriptionthat it is intended to place containers to be evacuated and gassed inchambers 63 at the left of the machine, and to remove these containers,after they have been operated upon in the manner indicated, at theright-hand end of the machine. During the interval when the chain links56, and consequently the chambers 63, are passing over the rotatingvalve mechanism described, these chambers must be closed and air-tight.

Mechanism for causing closing of the doors 64 of the chambers 63,latching them closed, and unlatohing and reopening them, is describedbelow.

Supported on the body portion 51 of each chain link 56 is a hinge 16(Fig. '1) on which is rotatably mounted the door or gate 64, which doorcomprises substantially one entire side of the evacuating chamber 63.Door 64 is normally held in its closed position by means of thecombination right and left-hand coil spring 66 (Figs. 4 and 6) locatedon the hinge pin with its ends bearing against the link body portion 51.Formed in the middle of the spring, between the right and left handcoils, is the inverted U-shaped portion which engages the arm 11integral with the bottom of the door 64. This arm 11 carries a rollerwhich bears against a rod 16 (Figs. 4 and 6) extending longitudinally ofthe machine and fastened to the casting 42. The rod 18 is bent inJ-shape, the short end of the J being inserted in a hole in the upperportion of casting 42, and xed therein by means of a set screw 1S (Fig.6). The long arm of the J of rod 18, as it extends toward the left (Fig.4) is bent upwardly and inwardly as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

As link 56 is moved to the right, the roller of arm 11 will make contactwith the outer (Fig. 6) surface of rod 18, and as the link continues toadvance the rod will force the lever downwardly until the gate or door613 is fully open which will occur at approximately the time that thelink 56 is opposite the casting 42 (Fig. 4). Shortly thereafter, theroller on the end of arm 11 will pass from beneath the rod 18, and thehinge spring 80 will cause the door to shut. The door will be retainedin its closed position during the evacuating of the container by Virtueof the atmospheric pressures on the outside of the door and the pressureof the spring 80 and the Vacuum pull on the inside of the door. A tightseal is created by the soft rubber gasket 631 located in the edge of thechamber 63. When the link has passed from the suction or evacuatingportion of the apparatus to the pressure applying portion, the door mustbe held shut against pressure. For this purpose the mechanism shown inFigs. 10, 1l and 12 is provided.

Door latchzng mechanism The mechanism for latching the doors is shown inconnection with the particular form of chamber 63 of Fig. 8; it isobvious that this mechanism is equally applicable to any form of chamberas, for example, that shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

Mounted in a hole in the thick walled top of chamber 63, Figs. 10, 11and 12, is a shaft or stud 8| on which a bell crank 82 is rotatablymounted. The vertical arm of the bell crank 82 is provided with a camfollowing roller 84 for cooperation with a cam 83 suitably mounted onthe frame of the machine in position to operate the bell crank .justprior to the passage of the linkborne chamber 63 into the pressureapplying zone. The horizontal arm of the bell crank 82 has a beveled endwhich is adapted to cooperate with a latch plate 85 integral with thedoor 64. Integral with the vertical arm of the bell crank 82 is anextension in which a pin 86 is inserted and pressed downwardly by aspring 81 extending between the shoulder on the pin and a screw 88inserted in the hole. depression in the wall 63 of the chamber to act asa detent and hold the bell crank in the position shown in Figs. 10 and1l. When the cam follower roller 84 strikes the cam 83 the bell crank 82is caused to rotate through a 90 angle taking the position shown in Fig.12 and latching the door closed, the edges of the door seating against agasket such as that shown at 631 in Fig. '7.

The bell crank remains in the position of Fig. 12 until the containerhas been lled with gas and sealed, at which time the link 56 will havemoved to the right and will be adjacent to the end of tube 50. Suitablymounted on the machine frame at this point is another cam 9|] which, asthe link continues to move, is contacted by the cam follower 84 andcauses the arm of the bell crank to rise and return to its normalposition, unlatching the door 64, said door then being opened as alreadydescribed in connection with Fig. 7 so that the operator may remove thegas filled and sealed container.

Container sealing mechanism It is obvious that after the containers havebeen evacuated and gassed, they must be sealed before removal from thechamber 63. There are many common .ways of sealing containers, as.

This pin cooperates with a 4 Ialo for example, capping them with crowncaps, spinning tops thereon, etc. For purposes of simplicity, thecontainers shown in Figs. 8 and 9 are bottles or cans `which are sealedby the application of crown caps. The chambers 63 of Figs. 8 and 9 areshown with mechanism for performing this sealing operation.

Each chamber A63 has a cylindrical, projecting portion integral with thetop thereof. Through a hole in this projection a plunger 9| is inserted,this plunger being surrounded by the packing 92 inserted inthe hole andheld in place by the packing nut 9,3. At the top of the plunger a head94 is riveted. Between the packing nut and the head 94 a coil spring 95is compressed. Mounted on the head 94 is a cam follower 96 whichcooperates with a cam rail 91 which is supported in any suitable mannerfrom the frame of the machine.

' Fastened to the bottom of the plunger 9| is a cap holding member 98adapted to resiliently retain a single crown cap.

Just prior to the passage of the link into the evacuating Zone, or, inother words, during the interval while the door 04 is. open, theoperator places the container to be evacuated within the chamber, andlikewise places a crown cap in the member 98. When -a link reaches thecam rail 9i, the cam follower moving along that rail causes depressionof the plunger 9| and downward movement of the crown cap on to thecontainer top. As the follower continues to move along the rail,pressure is exerted to force the cap on to the container top, sealingthe container. Additional movement of the link 56 causes the camfollower 92 to move upward under pressure of the spring 95, removing thecap member An alternative or additional means for assuringsynchronization of the movement of the chain link 53 with the rotationof the inner valve tube 5| is provided, this mechanism comprising racksegments on each of the chain links cooperating with gears driven fromthe main power source. This alternative synchronizing method is shown indetail in Figs. 8 and 9. It is to be understood that the mechanism isprovided in duplicate, one on either side of the machine, although thisis not shown in Figs. 8 and 9 since Fig. 9 is a broken, transversesection showing but one side of the machine.

The body 51 of each link 56 has fastened thereto on either side, a racksegment 30|. The rack segments of the successive links form in effect acontinuous rack. Fixed at any suitable point along the machine, andfastened tothe outer channels 39 and 4|, are castings 303 which serve tosupport shafts 305 and stub shafts 301. Mounted on the upper end ofshaft 305 is a spur gear Sii?. At the lower end of shaft 305 Ais aspiral gear SI2. Mounted on the stub shaft 301 is an idler gear 3|4which engages both the rack segment 30| and the gear 3|0. Fixed forrotation with shaft 55 and in position to mesh with the spiral gear 3|2is spiral gear 3|6.

As shaft 55 rotates it causes rotation of shaft 3%, gears Sill and 3M,and movement of the rack segment to assure movement of the links 5Galong the tube 50 at a denite rate.

The worm wheels, gears, and rack segments are so proportioned that thechain links are moved at exactly the same rate as that at which aroller, if placed in the helical groove of tube 5|, would advancelongitudinally of that tube.

The foregoing material has described the mechanism as set forth in theco-pending application hereinbefore mentioned. The new improvementswhich have been mentioned briefly hereinabove are described below; theportion of the mechanism to which these improvements have been madebeing indicated by the various headings.

Chain drive mechanism In some instances it is desirable that the links56 have an intermittent motion rather than the continuous motiondescribed hereinabove. This is particularly true when the valvemechanism is to be sealed tightly under pressure during a portion of theevacuating operation, whatever the mode of sealing may be, although onemanner of causing such sealing is described hereinafter. When the driveis to be intermittent a Geneva movement such as that shown in Figs. 20and 21 is supplied. rIhe sprocket wheels |l| and H2 and the shaft H3 onwhich they are mounted, are driven through the medium of aV pinion |85mounted on an extension of the shaft H3. This pinion meshes with a gear|84 which is fixed on a stub shaft mounted in a bracket |83 which issupported from the framework in the manner shown in Fig. 21. The shaftof gear 184 lcarries at its opposite or forward end a Geneva wheel|82which is caused to rotate through 90 degrees during each revolution ofthe Geneva roller |8|, which is in turn fixed to a disc E80 mounted on asecond stub shaft, likewise supported in the bracket |83. Mounted onthis second stub shaft is a pulley which is driven by a belt such as |24from the motorl E09 in the same manner as shown in Fig. 1.

It will be obvious from the above that during each rotation of thepulley the Geneva roller drives the Geneva wheel through a 90 degreearc, causing a movement of the shaft ||3 and the sprockets and ||2proportional to this 90 degree arc of movement of the wheel. In thepresent instance the gears are so proportioned that the links 50 aredisplaced twelve spaces along the valve mechanism during each revolutionof disc |80; this gearing might, as is readily seen, be proportioned sothat any desired number of spaces be moved through by a link during asingle revolution of the disc.

The shaft H8, which was formerly driven by the pulley, is now driventhrough the gear and pinion H9 which is on the shaft |I8. The spiralgears |2|, |22 and |33, |34 serve, as before, to transmit motion fromthe shaft H8 to the longitudinal drive shafts 53 and 55 and the spurgear |20 serves tov transmit motion to the gear ll'l (see Fig. 6) andthrough it and other mechanism transmits motion to the valve mechanism.

Valve mechanism The form of valve mechanism previously discussed may besomewhat modified to reduce frictional losses in the machine and toreduce the vacuum loss through possible leaks occurring in the rotatinginner tube structure previously described. In a modified form of valvemechanism a thick walled outer tube 50 (Figs. 13 and 14) is supplied inplace of the relatively .thinl walled tube 56 of Figs. 1 through 7.Inserted in the tube 50 are poppet valves |60 which extendlongitudinally in a line along the uppermost surface of the tube 50 andhave passages which communicate with the passages 62 in the links 56.The stems |62 of these valves cooperate with an inner valve tube- 13which replaces the valve tube 5l. The tube 'it is considerably smallerin diameter than tube 5|] and has on its outer surface a helical camridge 'i4 which as the tubev is turned presses against the Valve stems|62 successively to cause opening of the valves and admission of suctionor pressure as the case may be to the passages 62 and application ofsuction or pressure therethrough to the packages or containers withinthe chambers 63 of the links 56.

The construction of poppet Valve members is shown indetail in Figs.' 15,16 and 17. This construction is extremely simple, the valve comprising acylindrical shell |60 in a spider of which (see Fig. 17) valve stem |62is slidably arranged. Cooperatng with a valve seat formed in this shellis a valve head |63 of the shape shown in Fig. 16, which in itslowermost position prevents passage of air or gas through the valve, butwhich when the valve stem is raised against the pressure of spring |64is raised from its seat and permits air to flow from one side of thevalve to the other.

The tube i3 is driven in much the same manner as was the tube`5| of themodiication discussed in connectionwithl'igs. 1 through 12. However,since the construction is slightly different it will be describedbriefly. Extending to the left of the tube '|3 is a sleeve member whichis slotted (as shown in Fig. 13), to receive pins i12, which pins passthrough a sleeve and gear member |55 which is generally conical in format its left hand end, and which seats against a conical seat in themember |43, which member is screwed into a threaded portion of the outertube 56. The gear portion of element |65 meshes with a worm wheel`|`|5on a shaft |16, causing rotation of this element in the same manner asherenbefore described. Seating in the conical portion of the element |65is a conical extension of suction pipe |5| which pipe is held inposition by means of studs |53 and |48 which are supported in the samemanner as described in connection with Fig. 4 and are spring pressed tothe right to retain the conical portion of the pipe within the seat ofthe member |65.

It will be obvious from the above that suction is applied through thepipe |5| to the inner tube 'l5 and through holes in that tube to thespace between the tube and the outer tube 50, so that as the inner tuberotates and the cam surface 14 causes the valves |69 to be progressivelyunseated, suction is continuously applied to the links of the movingchain due to the fact that the valves are successively opened at thesame rate as that at which the links progress along the outer tube.

Pressurey seating mechanism As has been indicated, it is sometimesdesirable to cause the outer tube 56 to be pressed against the links 56during at least a portion of the evacuating operation. This is desirablebecause it eliminates any loss of suction which might occur due toleakage between the outer tube and the links in either the constructionof Figures l through l2 or that of 'Figl 13. This pressure applyingmechanism is used only in combination with the intermittent drivepreviously discussed, since it will be obvious that pressure appliedupwardly against the links of the tube 5|) would cause friction whichwould make it impossible to drive the machine continuously, and whichwould increase the wear on the tubes and links to such a degree that themachine would no longer be practical. Since the pressure applyingmechanism is used only in combination with the intermittent drive thetimes of application of pressure can be controlled by means of thedriving mechanism. This is done in the following manner:

Integral with or fastened to the disc |86 is a drum lS having two camsurfaces cut therein, one of which cooperates with a pair of electricalcontacts I8?, and the other with a pair of contacts |88. During eachrotation of the disc each pair of contacts isv closed for an interval oftime. One of these pairs of contacts controls an electromagnet |89 whichwhen it operates causes opening of the valve |96, which in turnestablishes communication between a pressure supply line |9| and adistributing line |92 (Fig. 20). Pressure in the line |92 is appliedbeneath a piston |93 (Fig. 13), which piston lies within a cylinder 65similar to the cylinder 66 of Figures 1 through l2.` As in the formerinstance, there is within the cylinder a spring 68 which in thisinstance, however, bears against the outer tube 5U to hold it normallyupward against the bottoms of the links with a ,limited spring pressure.It will be obvious that when pressure is appied to the bottom of thepiston |S3 it rises in the cylinder 66, causing compression of thespring 68 and exerting a much increased pressure against tube 5l! tohold it against the links. The cam cooperating with contacts |31 is soformed that pressure is admitted to the pipe |92 only during theinterval while the Geneva roller is not within a slot of the Genevawheel and the chain 0f links is consequently stationary. Just prior tothe entrance of the roller |8| into a slot of thef Geneva wheel |82, thecontacts are opened and the valve |90 operated to shut off the airpressure and cause exhaust of the air in the pipe |92 and the variouscylinders 66 to atmosphere.

M odi fied capping mechanism When the mechanism described immediatelyabove is utilized, it is necessary in order to secure the advantages ofhigh vacuum that the containers be capped during a time when pressure isapplied tothe line 92 and the vacuum applied to the containers isconsequently of its highest value.

The above capping mechanism described in connection with Figs. 8 and 9is not adapted to this usage since that mechanism caps the containersduring movement of the links. The cap ping mechanism shown in Fig. 20is, therefore, substituted for that of Figs. 8 and 9 when the apparatusdescribed immediately above is to be used.

Mounted on the outer channel member 4| are the brackets 285 which extendupwardly and carry in bearings at the upper ends thereof a shaft 266.The shaft 286 has mounted on it between the upper ends of the brackets,a bell crank 23'! and has likewise mounted on it at either end arms 283.The arms 288 extend toward the center of the machine and carry at theirends a bar 269 which lies above the path of movement of plungers 9| ofthe chambers 63, which plungers carry caps for capping containers andare identical with those shown in Figs. 8 and 9, except that it isunnecessary for them to be provided with rollers 96. Extending down- .diin any convenient manner.

wardly from the outwardly extending arm of bell crank 287 is a rod 302which is connected to the piston rod of a Hannin air cylinder, whichcylinder is supported from the channel member The operation of thiscylinder is controlled by the second cam portion of disc through themedium of the contacts |8'l, a solenoid 289, and a valve 29|). The valve290 Vcontrols admission of iluid from the supply line |9| to the lines29| and 292, which lines are connected to the cylinder one at eitherside of the piston thereof. It will be seen that as the `disc rotatesduring a portion of each revolution the solenoid is energized and air issupplied to the lower side of the piston, causing the piston rod to riseand force the bell crank 28'1 to rotate, thus causing the arms 288 tolikewise rotate and to press the bar 289 downwardly against Vtheplungers lying beneath it to cause capping of the containers in thechambers with which these plungers are associated. In the presentinstance the bar 289 extends over twelve plungers, thus capping twelvecontainers at once. It will be remembered that with the intermittentdrive as described above twelve link spaces are moved over during eachrotation of the pulley. While any other number of link spaces might bemoved over, it will be obvious that the bar 289 should cover the samenumberfof plungers as spaces are traversed in a single rotation of thepulley. The two cams are arranged so that slightly prior to the releaseof pressure on pistons |93 the bar 289 descends and performs the cappingoperation.

The intermittent drive and capping mechanism above described, as well asthe pressure seating arrangement also above described may be used inconnection with the valve mechanism of Figs. 13 and 14, aswell as withvalve mechanism of Figs. 1 through 12, since in either case theintermittent movement and the simultaneousv capping is made necessaryonly because of the pressure seating arrangements hereinabove describedand there is nothing in the construction of the valve mechanism of Figs.1 to l2 which prevents use of the pressure seating arrangementtherewith.

Modified link structure In the link structure shown in Figs. 1 throughl2, and particularly in Fig. '7, the portion 5'! of the link whichtraverses the outer valve tube 5@ is solid, and has a passagewayextending from its .lower to its upper surface through which pressure,either positive or negative, may be applied to the chamber 63. Thisconstruction is adequate in most instances, but since there is apossibility of sagging of the tube 59 or other slight misadjustment ofparts causing a leak to occur between the lower surface of the portion5l and the tube, a modified form of link shown in Figs. 18 and 19 hasbeen devised. In this 'form the portion 5l is split, leaving twoportions 51a and 51h .(Fig. 19) between which a soft rubber gasket le@is inserted. In addition, the portion 571 is made slightly smaller sothat instead of bearing against the side pieces 59 of the links it isfree to move slightly with respect thereto. Likewise, there is insertedin the upper portion of the passage 62 a tube |32@ which extendsdownwardly through the soft rubber and carries at its lower end a washer|521 having a spherically curved lower surface which fits into asimilarly curved depression in the portion 51h. This construction makesit possible for the portion 5lb to rotate slightly in any directionwithout permitting a leak to occur between the valve tube and the linkstructure. Since the rubber |40 is inserted between the two portions 57aand 5lb under compression it will be obvious that movement of theportion 57h will cause added compression of the soft rubber in part ofits area and a lessened compression in another part, the give of therubber being sui'licient to insure that it will expand to at least asgreat an extent as there is possible movement of the piece 51a.

While the above has described preferred embodiments of my invention andin many instances various forms of these embodiments, it is to beunderstood that I do not limit myself to the form shown and described,nor the combinations of forms particularly pointed out since the variousmechanisms may be used in different combinations and other mechanismsdevised to perform the same functions. 'Ihe scope of my invention is,therefore, to be limited only by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a mechanism for applying positive or negative pressure to thelinks of a moving chain, the combination of a rotary pressure controlmechanism, links adapted to be moved along said mechanism, means vforapplying pressure to said mechanism, passageways in the linkscommunicating with said pressure applying means through L said pressurecontrol mechanism, and means for operating said control mechanism insynchronism with the movement of said links.

2. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism,

comprising an outer valve tube having a plurality ond tube, passagesfrom the interior of said second tube to said helical groove, means forrotating said second tube, and means for applying suction to theinterior of said second tube during rotation thereof.

3. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism, t

comprising a valve tube having longitudinally spaced openings therein, asecond valve tube arranged to form a vacuum seat with said first tubeand to rotate within said tube, a helical r groove in the surface ofsaid second tube, communicating passages from the interior of saidsecond tube to said helical groove, means for rotating said second tube,and means to apply suction or vacuum to said second tube during therotation thereof, whereby suction is applied progressively to saidspaced openings.

4. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism, comprising an outer valvetube having longitudinally spaced openings therein, a second valve tubeadapted to form a vacuum seat with said first tube and to rotate withinsaid tube, a helical groove in the outer surface of said second tube,said groove having a pitch such that a group of said longitudinalopenings lies between corre-4 spending points of successive turns ofsaid helix, passageways from the interior of said second tube to saidgroove, means for rotating said second tube, and means for applyingsuction internally of said second tube during rotation thereof f ralityof longitudinally spaced openings therein, a second valve tube adaptedtol form a vacuum seat with said rst tube and to rotate within saidtube, a helical groove in the outer surface of said second tube, saidgroove having a pitch such that a group of said longitudinal openingslies between corresponding points of successive turns of said helix andhaving a width such that a plurality of holes less than the number in agroup is covered thereby, passages from the interior of said second tubeto said groove, means for rotating said second tube, and means forapplying suction internally of said tube during rotation thereof wherebysuction is applied progressively to corresponding pluralities ofopenings of said several groups.

6. In a mechanism for applying suction to the links of a moving chain,the combination of a tubular valve mechanism, links adapted to be movedalong said valve mechanism, means for applying vacuum to the interior ofsaid valve mechanism, passageways in said links communi-` cating withthe interior of said valve mechanism, and means to operate said valvemechanism in synchronism with the movementof said links.

'7. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism, comprising a tube havingvalve members longitudinally spaced therealong, a second tube arrangedwithin said first tube and adapted to rotate, a helical cam surface onthe exterior of said second tube to cooperate with said members,passages from the interior of said second tube to the space between saidtubes, means for rotating said second tube, and means toapply suction orvacuum to said second tube during rotation thereof whereby suction isapplied contnuously to the valve members and the valve members areprogressively operated to apply suction in like manner to the exteriorof the rst mentioned tube.

8. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism, comprising an outer tubehaving longitudinally spaced valve elements therein, a second tubearranged to rotate within said rst tube, a helical cam surface on theouter surface of said second tube, said surface having a pitch` suchthat a group of said valve elements lies 'between corresponding pointsof successive turns of said helix, passageways from the interior to theexterior of said second tube, means for rotating said second tube, andmeans for applying suction internally of said second tube duringrotation thereof whereby suction is applied continuously to all valveelements and corresponding ones of the valve elements of the variousgroups are progressively operated.

9. A vacuum or suction applying mechanism, comprising an outer valvetube having a plural ity of longitudinally spaced valve elementstherein, a second tube adapted torotate within said first tube, ahelical camming surface on the exterior of said second tube, the helixof the center line of said surface having a pitch such that agroup ofsaid valve elements lies between corresponding points of successiveturns of said helix and the camming surface having such a width that aplurality of valve elements less than the number in a group maysimultaneously be operated thereby, passages from the interior to theexterior of said second tube, means for rotating said second tube, andmeans for applying suction internally of said tube during rotationthereof wherebyl suction is applied continuously to the valve elementsand corresponding pluralities of said elements are operatedprogressively to permit transmission of suction to the exterior of saidfirst tube.

10. In a mechanism for applying suction to the links of a moving chain,in combination, an outer valve tube having a plurality of longitudinallyspaced openings therein, a second valve tube adapted to form a vacuumseat with said first valve tube and to rotate Within said tube, ahelical groove in the outer surface of said second tube, said groovehaving a pitch such that a group of said longitudinal openings liesbetween corresponding points of successive turns of said helix andhaving a width such that a plurality of openings less than the number ina group is covered thereby, passages from the interior of said secondtube to said groove, means for rotating said second tube whereby theinterior of said tube progressively communicates with correspondingpluralities of openings of the several groups of openings, linksarranged in chain formation and adapted for movement longitudinally ofsaid outer tube in synchronism with the rotation of said inner tube,each said link comprising a body portion of a length equal to or lessthan that of a group of openings, a passagewayl Within each link, saidpassageway having a longitudinal opening covering a plurality ofopenings equal to that covered by the width of the helix, and means forresiliently pressing said links'and outer valve tube together wherebyeach link is constantly in communication with the interior of said innertube during the traverse of the outer tube.

11. In a mechanism for applying suction to the links of a moving chain,in combination, an

outer tube having a plurality of longitudinally spaced valve mechanismstherein, a second tube adapted to rotate within said first tube, ahelical camming surface on the exterior of said second tube, saidcamming surface having a pitch operation of corresponding mechanisms ofthe several groups of mechanisms occurs, links arranged in chainformation and adapted for movement longitudinally of said outer tube insynchronism with the rotation of said inner tube, each said linkcomprising a body portion of a length equal to or less than that of agroup of openings, a passageway within each link, said passageway havinga longitudinal opening of substantially the width of the mechanismsadapted forsimultaneous operation by a turn of the helix of the cammingsurface, and means for resiliently pressing said links and outer valvetube together whereby each link is lconstantly in communication withsaid vacuum source during the traverse of the outer tube.

l2. In a suction or vacuum applying mechanism, in combination, a tubularvalve mechanism comprising an outer and an inner valve tube, means forresiliently pressing said inner valve tube into contact with said outertube throughout their lengths, a plurality of links arranged in chainformation, each link being adapted to form a vacuum-tight seal with saidouter valve tube, means to restrain said links from movement in .thedirection of a diameter of said tubes, and

resilient means for pressing said links and said valve mechanismagainstsaid restraining means.

13. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently operablechain of conveyor links, an intermittently operable tubular valvemechanism over which said links pass, means to continuously apply vacuumto said valve mechanism and through it to said links, means to normallypress said valve mechanism against said chain of links, and meansoperable during time intervals in which said chain and valve mechanismare stationary to urge said valve mechanism against said chain withincreased pressure whereby substantially the full eifect of said vacuumapplying means is transmitted to said links.

c 14. In a machine of the class described, an

intermittently operable chain of conveyor links,`

each link comprising a chamber for a container to be evacuated andclosure applying means operable upon said container, an intermittentlyoperable tubular valve mechanism over which said links pass, means tocontinuously apply vacuum to said valve mechanism and through it to saidlinks, means to normally press said valve mechanism against said chainof links, means normally inoperative for actuating said closure applyingmeans, means operable during time intervals in Which said chain andvalve mechanisms are stationary to urge said valve mechanism againstsaid chain with increased pressure, and means operable momentarily atsubstantially the end of said stationary period for simultaneouslyactuating a plurality of said closure applying means.

l5. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a rotary valvecontrol mechanism, a plurality of links arranged in. an endless chainformation and adapted to traverse said valve mechanism and to cooperatetherewith, means to drive said chain and said mechanism synchronously,said means comprising a Geneva movement for supplying intermittentmotion, and a gear train for producing proper rates of operation. i

16. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a chain ofconveyor links, a tubular valve mechanism over which said links areadapted to pass, means comprising a Geneva movement including drivingand driven members for causing intermittent operation of said links andvalve mechanism, means to normally press said valve mechanism againstsaid links, and means operable by the continuously rotating drivingmember of said Geneva movement to cause Y said valve mechanism to beurged against said links With increased pressure during that portion ofeach rotation of the driving member in which it is not driving thedriven member.

17. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a chain ofconveyor links, a tubular valve mechanism longitudinally of which saidlinks are adapted to pass, each link comprising a chamber for acontainer to be evacuated and closure applying means operable upon saidcontainer, means comprising a Geneva movement including driving anddriven members for causing intermittent operation of said links andvalve mechanism, means for causing operation of said closure applyingmeans, and means under control of the continuously rotating drivingmember of said Geneva movement for causing energization of said closureapplying means during an instant just prior to the driving of saiddriven member by said driving member.

18. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently operablechain of conveyor links, an

intermittently operable tubular valve mechanism over which said linkspass, means to continuously apply vacuum to said valve mechanism andthrough it to said links, means to normally press said valve mechanismagainst said chain of links, and means operable during time intervals inwhich said chain and valve mechanism are stationary to urge said valvemechanism against said chain with increased pressure, said meanscomprising a continuously rotating cam drum, contacts operable thereby,a solenoid energized by closure of said contacts, a fluid control valveoperated by said solenoid, and a fluid operated piston operating againstsaid Valve mechanism.

19. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently operablechain of conveyor links, each link comprising a chamber for a containerto be evacuated and closure applying means operable upon said container,an intermittently operable tubular valve mechanism over which said linkspass, means to continuously apply vacuum n to said valve mechanism andthrough it to said v links, means to normally press said valve mechanismagainst said chain of links, means normally inoperative for actuatingsaid closure applying` means, means operable during time intervals inwhich said chain and valve mechanisms are stationary to urge said valvemechanism against said chain with increased pressure, and means operablemomentarily at substantially the end of said stationary period forsimultaneously actuating a plurality of said closure applying means,said last mentioned means comprising a continuously rotating cam drum,contacts operated thereby, a solenoid energized by closure of I' saidcontacts, a fluid control valve operated by said solenoid, and a fluidoperated piston arranged to operate said closure applying means.

20. In a mechanism of the class described, the combination of a tubularvalve mechanism, links arranged in an endless chain and adapted tocommunicate with a pressure or suction source through the medium of saidvalve mechanism, said chain links comprising vacuum andv pressure-tightchambers, means to permit the insertion of packages to be evacuated andfilled Within said chambers, means for automatically closing saidchambers during evacuating and lling operations, means for sealingcontainers within said chamber, and means for automatically opening saidchambers to permit removal of evacuated, iilled and sealedY packages.

21. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a tubular valvemechanism comprising an outer and an inner valve tube, means forresiliently pressing said inner valve tube into contact with said outertube throughout their length, a plurality of links arranged in acontinuous chain, means to drive said chain so that the links thereofpass successively over said tubular valve mechanism, and auxiliary meansfor driving each link of said chain While passing over the valvemechanism, said auxiliary means comprising helically grooved shaftsextending along said mechanism and rollers on said links extendinginto'the grooves of said shafts.

22. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a tubular valvemechanism comprising an outer and an inner valve tube, means forresiliently pressing said inner valve tube into contact with said outertube throughout their lengths, a plurality of links arranged in acontinuous chain, means to drive said chain so that the links thereofpass successively over said tudriving each link of said chain Whilepassing over comprising rack-segments on said linksllllga? drivensynchronously with said valve mechanism cooperating with said racksegments.

23, A vacuum and pressure applying mechanism, comprising an outer valvetube having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings therein, asecond valve tube adapted to form a vacuum seat with said rst tube andto rotate therein, a helical groove in the outer surface of said secondtube, said groove having a pitch such `that a group of said longitudinalopenings lies between corresponding points of successive turns of thehelix, and having a width such that a plurality of holes less than thenumber in a group is covered thereby, passageways from the interior ofsaid second tube to said grooves, a separating member within said secondtube, means for rotating said second tube, means for applying suctioninternally of said second tube at one end thereof, and means forapplying pressure to the other end of said second tube during rotationthereof, whereby first suction and then pressure is appliedprogressively to corresponding pluralities of openings of said severalgroups of openings of said rst valve tube.

24. A vacuum and pressure applying mechanism, comprising an outer valvetube having longitudinally spaced openings therein and having a memberseparating one end from the other, a second valve tube extending Withinsaid rst tube and abutting said member, said second tube being adaptedto form a vacuum seat with said rst tube and to rotate therein, a thirdvalve tube extending within said first tube and abutting said member onthe other side thereof, said third valve being adapted to form a vacuumseat with said first tube and to rotate therein, helical grooves in theouter surfaces of said second and third tubes, said grooves each havinga pitch such that a group of said longitudinal openings lies betweencorresponding points of successive turns of said helices, passagewaysfrom the interiors of said second and third tubes to their respectivegrooves, means for rotating' said second tube and means for applyingsuction interiorly thereof, means for rotating said third tube insynchronism with said second tube, and means for applying pressureinteriorly of said third tube during rotation thereof, whereby rstsuction and then pressure is applied progressively to corresponding onesof the openings of the various groups of openings in the first saidtube.

25. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a tubularvalve mechanism, means for driving said mechanism, and a conveyor chainadapted to move longitudinally of said valve mechanism in synchronismtherewith, said conveyor chain being formed of a plurality o-f linkseach of which comprises a block having a curved surface adapted to tsaid tubular mechanism, a soft rubber gasket fixed to the block, a platefixed to said gasket on the opposite side thereof, and

A"a'tubeextendingsthrojugh said plate and gasket and having aspherically curved washer thereon, said washer being adapted to seat ina correspondingly curved surface in said block.

26. In a machine of the class described, the I combination of a tubularvalve mechanism, means for driving said mechanism, a chain conveyoradapted to move longitudinally of said valve mechanism and means fordriving said chain in synchronism with said valve mechanism, said meansincluding helically grooved shafts extending along said valve mechanismat the sides thereof, the conveyor chain being formed of a plurality oflinks each of which comprises a block having a curved surface adapted tofit said tubular mechanism, a chamber comprising a plate separated fromsaid block by a soft rubber gasket, a tube extending through said plateand gasket and terminating in a spherically curved Washer adapted to tin a spherically curved depression in the upper surface of said block,said depression having a central bore which extends through the blockand is adapted to communicate with said valve mechanism, and side platesfixed to said chamber plate and extending downwardly and beneath saidshafts to restrain said link against upward movement, said side platesalso serving to hold said block in proper position on said valvemechanism.

27. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a tubular valvemechanism comprising a tube having valve members spaced longitudinallythereof, a second tube arranged within said msj-tube and adapted torotate, a plurality of links arranged in a continuous chain, means todrive said chain so that the links thereof pass successively over saidvalve mechanism, and auX- iliary means for driving each link of saidchain while passing over the valve mechanism, said auxiliary vmechanismcomprising helically grooved shafts extending along said mechanism androllers on said links extending into the grooves of said shafts.

28. In a machine of the class described, in combination, a tubular valvemechanism comprising a tube having valve membersspaced longitudinallythereof, a second tube arranged within said first tube and adapted torotate, a plurality of links arranged in a continuous chain, means todrive said chain so that the links thereof pass successively over saidvalve mechanism, and auxiliary means for driving each link of said chainWhile passing over the valve mechanism, said auxiliary mechanismcomprising rack segments on said links and gears driven synchronouslywith said valve mechanism cooperating With said rack segments.

FREDERICK E. BICIGORD.

